English
Literature section is an interesting section in board examinations. Most of
students assume that they will perform well in this section. A large number of
Indian English Language teacher organize ‘literature’ oriented classroom; they
spend a lot of time on “reading” ‘explaining text’ and dictating exercise based
questions. It is observed that English language teacher leaves extensive
activities based on ‘writing skill, grammar, listening and speaking’ and asks
student to do its own. English Language Teaching is an integrated task where we
need to distribute our teaching time equally to “Reading, Writing, Listening
and Speaking skill”.

Naturally,
students feel very comfortable in short answer types questions i.e. questions
word length 30-40 words carrying 2 mark, however questions based on “read the
extract and answer based on given text” demands intensive “reading skill” and
adequate practice before the examination to score 4/4. Most of students score
an average marks(may be 5/8, 6/8) in long answer types questions in about
100-120 words carrying 8 marks and also the question based on prescribed novel
text for extended reading in about 200-250 words carrying 10 marks.

What are the
objective of assessment and evaluation of Language and Literature Section?

Question paper consists two questions (a or b) based on “Read the Extract”. Students need to attempt only one question out of two extracts from prose/poetry/play. This question evaluates student’s skill “reference to context”. There are 4 questions (a, b, c, d); mainly questions evaluates students global comprehension and textual interpretation skill i.e. what does the speaker mean, whom is he addressing/why was —— /find out the synonyms/antonyms/which qualities/explain the statement/explain the term ‘the sleeping countryside’/ What does ‘ glance’ imply in the given lines?

Generally, this section consists of 4-5 questions to test local and global comprehension of theme and ideas (30-40 words each, 2×5 = 10 marks/ 2×4 = 8 Marks). Usually, most of the students score 8/8, 10/10 in this section. This section is easy in comparison to ‘read the extract’ section since English Language Teacher focuses so much on this section during academic session.

Question Type 3-
Long Answer Type Questions FIRST FLIGHT and
FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

In fact, long types
question demands a lot of practice, creativity, imagination and extrapolation
beyond the text and across the texts. General student scores 6/8 due to lack of
poor content, logical development of paragraph, accuracy of sentences
etc. This question expects a student to be more factual, practical and
vigilant before writing answer. Wise student scores 8/8 if his answer reflects
meaningful points (based on factual comprehension and global comprehension of
the text), proper development of ideas, sequential and chronological
development of ideas, better illustration and explanations. This question
presents tough and thoughtful challenges for brilliant student. This question
also puts a challenge before evaluator to be more alert and do justice with
student.

This question
slightly differs from question type 3.Basically this question is based on theme
or plot involving interpretation, inference and character i.e.
“In the life of Helen Keller, Ms. Anne Sullivan acts as an inspiration behind
her extraordinary life. Justify with suitable instances from the text”/ Give a
pen portrait of Dr. Alexender Graham Bell/ What are Anne’s views about the Laws
that restrict the Jews’ freedom / Why was Helen withdrawn from the Gilman
School and how did she further pursue here education/ What happened as a result
of the plagiarizing incident for Helen? What was the effect of this event on
her life?(CBSE, 2017, 2018)

Tips for students for
Scoring Full Marks in Long Answer Type Questions

Generally if a question carries 8 marks then the teacher gives marks on the basis of following criteria:-

Evaluator follows the marking scheme
formula which is given by the board. Teacher evaluates Question Type 3, 4 answers on
the basis of “Content, Fluency and Accuracy”. Broadly speaking, a general
students attempt all the questions of ‘Literature Textbook
and Supplementary Reading Text’ Section C but it is very hard to score more
than 23-24 out of 30 marks. The basic difference among different types of
learners occur due to 1 mark in ‘extract reading text’ and 4-5 marks in Question Type 3, 4 because getting full marks demands a lot of
writing practice, quality content, fluency of thoughts and accuracy in sentence
pattern. Wise students works a lot and do writing practices for long answer
questions. They develop good writing skill by taking real feedback from peers,
friends and teachers. Writing 200-250 words in an exam is not an easy task but
surely it is possible with adequate practices, well textual understanding,
proper use of key words and key terms,
proper description of different
character and events, relevant illustrations and own perspective for a specific
situation.

Wise students learn the art of planting, cutting, watering and doing other activity from a gardener and sculpture artist who makes a beautiful statue by giving days and nights with full dedication. Developing writing skill demands skill of a painter/sculpture artist who works hard without any complain. When a student writes so many articles, essays, letters, story and other genres continuously, showing these genres to other friend, classmates and teacher and takes regular feedback for her/his weak points. Extensive reading skill and intensive writing habit help students to incorporate key words and key term in their writing. Only one thing should be remember that our writing should be so specific, concise and creative for expressing the correct message to the reader.